By William Alkhoury June 17th, 2024
A Moment of Meaning:
"In the concentration camps, in this living laboratory and on this testing ground, we watched and witnessed some of our comrades behave like swine while others behaved like saints.
Man has both potentialities within himself; which one is actualized depends on decisions but not on conditions.” – Viktor Frankl
What defines us?
Even under the worst circumstances imaginable, the choice between cruelty and compassion remains. Our conditions do not determine our humanity — our decisions do. Frankl’s words remind us that, even today, in a divided and often disheartening world, the vital force of goodness, dignity, and meaning lives within each of us, waiting to be chosen.Practice This: Evoking Altruism
Humans have an innate capacity for kindness, benevolence, and generosity — but sometimes barriers like competition or group loyalty block the way. In furthering the good, we must favor and promote it.
This week, practice inviting more altruism into daily life with these research-based strategies:
1. Creating reminders of connection.
Incorporate words, quotes, images, or objects in your environment that evoke shared goals, warmth, community, and friendship.
2. Putting a human face on the problem.
Tell personal stories and share real photos to foster genuine emotional connection and compassion.
3. Encouraging identification beyond groups.
Highlight similarities that transcend political, cultural, or religious boundaries—emphasizing our shared humanity.
The Deeper Why
Although most people genuinely want to be altruistic, unconscious barriers often stand in the way.
But just as the sun brings both darkness and the good into the light of day, by remembering our connectedness, seeing others as real individuals, and expanding our circle of care, we allow compassion to naturally shine through — strengthening both our communities and our own sense of meaning.